Rob and Sarah’s solar savings story
Rob and Sarah’s solar savings story
Rob and Sarah installed solar panels and a battery in their bungalow to improve efficiency and reduce energy costs, seeing an immediate impact on their electricity bills.
House specifications:
House Type: 1950s bungalow
Number of bedrooms: 3
“Our electricity went from a few pounds a day to just a few pence, the difference was immediate.”
Rob and Sarah, Homeowners
Background
Rob and Sarah have lived in their bungalow near Holt for around ten years. Built in the 1950s, the property had limited insulation and was less efficient than newer homes, which affected heating and overall energy use.
Assessment
To improve efficiency, they decided to install solar panels followed shortly by a battery system. This combination was chosen to make better use of the electricity generated and reduce reliance on energy from the grid.
Challenges
As with many older properties, the bungalow had lower levels of insulation, which can make heating less efficient and increase energy demand. This made it important to find a solution that could help manage electricity use more effectively.
There can also be uncertainty around how quickly savings will be seen and whether the installation process will be disruptive. Weather conditions on the day of installation added some challenges, with heavy rain throughout, but the work continued as planned.
Despite these factors, the process remained straightforward and the installation was completed efficiently, helping to minimise disruption and ensure the system was up and running quickly.
Solutions
Rob and Sarah installed solar panels to generate their own electricity, followed by a battery system to store any unused energy. This allows them to use stored electricity later in the day, reducing the need to draw power from the grid.
The installation process was well organised, with clear communication around timings and expectations. The work was completed in a short timeframe, even in challenging weather conditions, and the system was operational soon after.
By combining solar generation with battery storage, they now have a more efficient way to manage their energy use and make the most of the electricity they produce.
Results
Since installing the system, Rob and Sarah have seen an immediate reduction in their electricity costs. Daily usage has dropped significantly, with bills going from several pounds per day to just a small amount.
The battery has helped maximise the benefit of the solar panels by storing excess energy for later use, improving overall efficiency. This has made their home more cost effective to run and reduced reliance on external energy supply.
The experience has shown how even older properties can benefit from modern energy solutions, with straightforward installation and clear financial savings from the outset.
Who can apply
Anyone can improve the energy efficiency of their home. If you’re looking for funding or support, eligibility can vary depending on where you live and income. Visit our eligibility page to find the guidance and schemes available in your area
Our partners
Home Energy Hub Norfolk is a collaboration of all Norfolk Councils. This website aims to provide residents with clear, trusted information to help them explore energy efficiency improvements and understand available support.